IPNEWS: The Grand Gedeh Bar Association (GGBA), under the leadership of its President, Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala, has taken note of recent reports concerning the signing of a 30-year lease agreement between the Grand Gedeh County Administration and Burkinabé investor Mr. Boubou Sebu for the development of 500 acres of cocoa farmland in the B’hai Administrative District.
Following widespread inquiries from citizens and stakeholders, the Bar—consistent with its statutory duty to uphold the rule of law and protect the interests of the people of Grand Gedeh—has initiated a review of the matter to ensure that all legal, environmental, and community safeguards are fully observed.
Cllr. Gbala confirmed that he has spoken with Superintendent Grant, who has assured the Bar of his commitment to share a copy of the lease agreement and to work collaboratively with the GGBA in assessing the legal sufficiency and long-term implications of the deal.
“We welcome any investment that promotes sustainable agriculture and local employment,” said Cllr. Gbala. “However, transparency, legality, and community benefit must remain the bedrock of every concession or lease agreement entered into on behalf of our people.”
The Bar emphasized that all land and agricultural development agreements must comply with relevant Liberian laws, including the Land Rights Act (2018), the Local Government Act (2018), and the Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCC Act), particularly where public assets or communal lands are involved. It also called for the inclusion of local community representatives in oversight mechanisms to ensure fair participation, environmental protection, and equitable distribution of benefits.
As the primary legal institution representing the citizens of Grand Gedeh, the GGBA reaffirmed its commitment to providing independent legal scrutiny and policy guidance on all major investment and development agreements within the county.
“Our goal is not to obstruct development,” Cllr. Gbala added, “but to ensure that every development is lawful, transparent, and genuinely beneficial to the people of Grand Gedeh—today and for generations to come.”
The GGBA will issue a follow-up statement upon completion of its legal review once the agreement has been formally submitted by the Superintendent’s office.
